We've all heard the word “patina” and if you love old things (and you’re reading this blog so you do) then you’ve seen things that have patina, or maybe even own them. Patina is simply wear over time. It is the way something ages. Copper and silver tarnish, fabric fades and becomes threadbare, cushions become more and more squishy… you get the idea.
For the charming patina (and some is not!) there is a host of followers that get nostalgic, and protect or even defend it ardently. Charming patina is imperfect. There are flaws, things can be uneven, too small, too big... But the imperfections in a way are comforting. They communicate that perfection isn't required. The imperfections of patina give us permission to be. To put our feet on the upholstered ottoman, to hang a gallery wall that may not have just the right pieces, to try our hand at making a pleated lampshade. We know from the start it doesn't have to be perfect.
Patina give us permission to try new things.
While we were remodeling our English country kitchen I gathered samples of blue and off-white Zellige tiles. One of the biggest reasons I chose these tiles is because of their imperfections. They are handmade in Morocco and each tile is unique. They are uneven, of different thicknesses, some are chipped, and most have pits. I love this! They seem so much more "real" to me. Not only do these tiles help to give the kitchen a relaxed, country feeling, but I'm sure they were more forgiving for Matt to install!
Because the tiles were uneven and some were thicker than others it didn't matter if they were perfectly lined up, or laid at exactly the same depth. This imperfection is freeing ~ especially for the novice trying something new. Now, Matt has laid quite a bit of tile, but he did mention that it was nice to have an "easy" tile to lay especially since it was in a prominent area.
This handmade imperfect tile adds just the right amount of relaxed pattern to the kitchen.
Now there is a point when the wear over time isn't a charming patina. You've all seen the big brown couch we recently replaced. I'm not really sure how it could've been attractive even when it was new, but it did not wear well. There is a lesson here... Furniture, decor, and even clothing that have a classic, timeless design, and are well-made will wear well over time.
Our new sofa is made in the English rolled-arm sofa style which has been popular for decades. The fabric will wear out before the "bones" of the sofa do. Even when the armrests become threadbare and the fabric fades the sofa will still look wonderfully inviting!
Patina gives permission to try new things. Patina gives permission to use your things
Patina also comes in different levels. There is chippy paint, and there is furniture with paint flecks on it. This is what I call the difference between "distressed" furniture and "distraught" furniture. Be sure to give your worn items a once over on occasion to be sure they are still in the charming patina category!
What items in your home do you love because of their perfectly charming patina? How do you use the "lived-in" look to make your home more inviting? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
I hope you've enjoyed this post and have fresh ideas to ponder in cultivating the art of your home!
Warmly,
Rachel
